In the words of Ron Burgundy, Social Media is “kind of a big deal”. So most people are catching on quickly, and those who aren’t… well, we say good luck to you 
. A recent article written on Destination CRM, talks about how retailers are either wallowing in uncertainty or diving aimlessly into unknown social media waters. Those brands not able to overcome their apprehension are missing out on a goldmine. Why? An essential tool for pretty much any business selling a product or service, is the ability for users to communicate with each other. This communication could be in the form of ratings, reviews, discussions, etc. Social Media sites provide the platform for companies to participate in this communication and engage their customers. Even Churches (United Methodist in particular) have begun to catch onto the idea of engagement through social media! Now there’s a good example of user engagement through social media.
Although no one knows what the future holds for social media…it’s lookin’ pretty bright to us! And some can make very educated guesses about where its headed! This article on DestinationCRM.com By Jessica Tsai dives in the five year forecast of social media.
The report breaks down the past, present, and future state of the social Web into five overlapping eras:
1. The era of social relationships: Beginning in the mid-1990s, people signed up for online profiles and connected with their friends to share information.
2. The era of social functionality: As it exists today, social networking is more than just a platform for “friending,” but one that can support a broader array of what Owyang calls “social interactive applications.” However, identities are essentially disconnected silos within individual sites.
3. The era of social colonization: By late 2009, technologies such as OpenID and Facebook Connect will begin to break down the barriers of social networks and allow individuals to integrate their social connections as part of their online experience, blurring the lines between networks and traditional sites.
4. The era of social context: In 2010, sites will begin to recognize personal identities and social relationships to deliver customized online experiences. Social networks will become the “base of operation for everyone’s online experiences.”
5. The era of social commerce: In approximately two years, social networks will be more powerful than corporate Web sites and CRM systems, as individual identities and relationships are built on this platform. Brands will serve community interests and grow based on community advocacy as users continue to drive innovation in this direction.
Consumers will be in control - of the information they store within their networks and the content they pass to other users with similar interests. Successful companies and brands will be the ones that allow their content to spread to the community and the customers where interest lies. We couldn’t agree more! 
So go on and get your stuff out there!
Tags: CRM systems, Destination CRM, DestinationCRM, Facebook Connect, Free Commerce, OpenID, peer to peer commerce, Ron Burgundy, Shopit, social commerce, social media, United Methodist Church